Award-winning Works

Manga Division

OHOKU
© YOSHINAGA Fumi/HAKUSENSHA
Excellence Prize

OHOKU

Story Manga

Artist: YOSHINAGA Fumi

(Japan)

Profile

YOSHINAGA Fumi

YOSHINAGA Fumi

Born in Tokyo, 1971. Debut with Moon and Sandals (Houbunsha). Her major works include Antique Bakery (Shinshokan) and others. Currently, runs serial works of OHOKU in MELODY (Hakusensha) and Flower of Life in Wings (Shinshokan).

Comment

I would like to express my highest gratitude for receiving such a prestigious award. As a story, OHOKU has just started and I will continue writing until the day when the story reaches the point where this work is appropriate for this award. Thank you very much indeed.

Reason of Aword

This is a history drama of the reversal of the position of men and women, where “the SHOGUN are a woman and there are 3,000 beautiful men in OHOKU (inner palace)." The scene where, at sound of a voice which says “UESAMA NO!! ONA-----RI-------!!" (Here the Lady is appearing)," all the beautiful men fling themselves down on the ground, is a sight to see, but this story goes beyond that. It lets the reader feel that there are many layers ahead which have not been revealed and makes the readers expect a story full of complications. What is depicted here is “a world where a man is assessed according to his sexual value". Why has such a world been established then? One opinion held is that it might have been better to hold off nominating this piece for the Grand Prize as it will be more interesting the more the story progresses. However, other voices supported the high estimation of the present work and it was decided to make the award. We cannot take our eyes off from the development of the story in the future.

11 Q&A

Q1
How old were you when you "created" something first time in your life? At that time, what did you create, and what kind of medium did you use?
A1
When I was 15 years old. I drew manga using a G-pen.
Q2
What kind of tools or medium do you use now? Please tell us the reason why you choose them.
A2
Maru-pens and drawing ink. Because I always use them.
Q3
If you could get "dream tools/medium" for your creation, what do you wish to get?
A3
No answer.
Q4
Do you have any consistent subject matter or theme through your works? If so, please explain us.
A4
No answer.
Q5
Please tell us the most difficult or considerable part when you create your work.
A5
No answer.
Q6
Have you ever felt that your work is a "media art"? Also, what is the difference between "media arts" and "traditional fine arts"?
A6
No answer.
Q7
As an artist/creator, please tell us your approach, stance or point of view when you create your work.
A7
In order to allow me to take time to revise the storyboard, I try to let my schedule have ample time to a certain extent. However, I commit myself to meeting a deadline as much as I can.
Q8
What is your motto?
A8
No answer.
Q9
What kind of situation in every day life do you get inspired most?
A9
When watching TV. When talking with people.
Q10
What kind of vision do you have in your future development as the creator?
A10
No answer.
Q11
Please name of the people, things, or phenomena that you have got most influenced by as the creator.
A11
No answer.